dimension
Americannoun
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Mathematics.
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a property of space; extension in a given direction.
A straight line has one dimension, a parallelogram has two dimensions, and a parallelepiped has three dimensions.
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the generalization of this property to spaces with curvilinear extension, as the surface of a sphere.
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the generalization of this property to vector spaces and to Hilbert space.
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the generalization of this property to fractals, which can have dimensions that are noninteger real numbers.
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extension in time.
Space-time has three dimensions of space and one of time.
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Usually dimensions.
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measurement in length, width, and thickness.
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scope; importance.
the dimensions of a problem.
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an aspect, feature, or angle: We haven't addressed that dimension of the issue.
A study abroad experience can add a cultural dimension to your language learning.
We haven't addressed that dimension of the issue.
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unit.
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Matter has dimension.
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Topology.
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a magnitude that, independently or in conjunction with other such magnitudes, serves to define the location of an element within a given set, as of a point on a line, an object in a space, or an event in space-time.
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the number of elements in a finite basis of a given vector space.
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Physics. any of a set of basic kinds of quantity, as mass, length, and time, in terms of which all other kinds of quantity can be expressed: usually denoted by capital letters, with appropriate exponents, placed in brackets.
The dimensions of velocity are [LT−1].
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Also called alternate dimension. (in science fiction, fantasy, etc.) a hypothetical universe or world that is different from our known universe and reachable by traveling in directions that are not the perceptible axes of space and time, as with the use of futuristic technology or magic.
Your enemies are villains, cultists, terrible monsters, and unfathomable entities from alternate dimensions or the cosmos beyond.
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Informal. dimensions, the measurements of a woman's bust, waist, and hips, in that order.
The dressmaker noted that the customer's dimensions were 38-24-36.
verb (used with object)
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to shape or fashion to the desired dimensions.
Dimension the shelves so that they fit securely into the cabinet.
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to indicate the dimensions of an item, area, etc., on (a sketch or drawing).
noun
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(often plural) a measurement of the size of something in a particular direction, such as the length, width, height, or diameter
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(often plural) scope; size; extent
a problem of enormous dimensions
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aspect
a new dimension to politics
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maths the number of coordinates required to locate a point in space
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physics
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the product or the quotient of the fundamental physical quantities (such as mass, length, or time) raised to the appropriate power in a derived physical quantity
the dimensions of velocity are length divided by time
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the power to which such a fundamental quantity has to be raised in a derived quantity
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verb
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Any one of the three physical or spatial properties of length, area, and volume. In geometry, a point is said to have zero dimension; a figure having only length, such as a line, has one dimension; a plane or surface, two dimensions; and a figure having volume, three dimensions. The fourth dimension is often said to be time, as in the theory of General Relativity. Higher dimensions can be dealt with mathematically but cannot be represented visually.
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The measurement of a length, width, or thickness.
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A unit, such as mass, time, or charge, associated with a physical quantity and used as the basis for other measurements, such as acceleration.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dimension
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English dimensioun, from Anglo-French or directly from Latin dīmēnsiōn- (stem of dīmēnsiō ) “a measuring,” equivalent to dīmēns(us) “measured out” (past participle of dīmētīrī, equivalent to dī- di- 2 + mētīrī “to measure”) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
A dimension is the measurement of something in physical space. You might give the painters every dimension of the rooms you want painted, including depth, height, and width. In addition to physical objects, dimension can describe something less tangible, such as the magnitude or extent of something. You might be shocked by the dimension of damage from the explosion down the street. Dimension can also be a feature of something, such as an experience, situation, flavor, or thing. Painting your bedroom purple will add a mystical dimension to your dwelling, especially if you add unicorn accents.
Vocabulary lists containing dimension
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The ACT Math Test: Number and Quantity
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Engineering - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Under the new term PMOS, clinicians aim to emphasize the condition’s metabolic dimension, including its links to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk and cardiovascular health.
From Salon • May 16, 2026
There’s also little chemistry in his scenes with Alicia Vikander, herself struggling to find dimension in a trophy girlfriend, whose greatest skill in an ever-changing Russia seems to be as an oligarch whisperer.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
The woman added: "I have not let Mr Lavery ruin my life by any means but it has certainly given it a dimension I could do without."
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
I didn’t answer; I have a hard enough time figuring out momentum stocks in this dimension.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
This last dimension of the deal was not terribly attractive, so Jefferson left it out of his account altogether.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
